How to Prepare for Your First Divorce Attorney Meeting
- Meason & Morris Law
- Jul 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Starting the divorce process can feel overwhelming, but meeting with a divorce attorney is an important first step toward protecting your future. Whether you're ready to file or just exploring your options, your initial consultation is your chance to get clarity, ask questions, and begin building a strategy.
To make the most of that first meeting, it's helpful to come prepared. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, what to bring, and how to mentally and practically prepare when meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time.
Why the First Meeting Matters
Your first consultation is more than just a meet-and-greet. It's your opportunity to:
Explain your situation
Ask legal questions
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Learn about your attorney’s approach
Decide if the attorney is the right fit for your case
This meeting sets the tone for the rest of your divorce process, so coming in informed and organized is key.
What to Expect During the Consultation
Each attorney may handle the first meeting a little differently, but here’s a general outline of what you can expect:
Discussion of your situation: You’ll explain your marital background, whether children or shared assets are involved, and why you're seeking a divorce.
Review of your goals: Whether you're looking for sole custody, want to keep the house, or just want a peaceful resolution, be ready to discuss your priorities.
Overview of the divorce process: Your divorce attorney will walk you through Oklahoma divorce laws, timelines, and what to expect moving forward.
Q&A: This is your chance to ask about strategy, legal fees, communication preferences, and more.
What Documents to Bring
You don’t need to show up with every financial record you own, but the more relevant information you provide, the more helpful your consultation will be. Consider bringing the following documents:
Marriage certificate
Pre- or post-nuptial agreement (if applicable)
Recent pay stubs for you and your spouse
Tax returns from the past two years
List of assets and debts (real estate, vehicles, loans, credit card balances, etc.)
Bank and retirement account statements
Any existing court orders (like child support or protection orders)
Child-related information (school schedules, special needs, living arrangements)
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything yet—your divorce attorney can guide you on what to gather next.
Key Questions to Ask Your Divorce Attorney
To ensure you're choosing the right attorney for your case, ask clear and practical questions during your meeting. Some good examples include:
How long have you practiced family law in Oklahoma?
How do you approach high-conflict divorces?
What is your experience with custody or alimony cases?
What are the likely outcomes in a case like mine?
How do you prefer to communicate with clients?
What are your fees and billing structure?
Taking notes during the consultation can help you remember important details and compare attorneys if you're meeting with more than one.
What Your Divorce Attorney Needs to Know
While it might feel uncomfortable, being honest with your divorce attorney is essential. Your lawyer can’t protect you from surprises if they don’t have all the facts.
Be prepared to talk about:
Whether the divorce is contested or agreed upon
Any history of domestic violence or abuse
Affairs or marital misconduct (if you plan to file on fault-based grounds)
Your current living situation
Any informal custody or financial arrangements already in place
Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege, so you can speak freely and honestly.
How to Mentally Prepare
Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s an emotional one. Walking into a law office and talking about the end of your marriage can be tough, even if you're confident in your decision. Here are a few ways to emotionally prepare:
Give yourself permission to feel nervous or upset. That’s normal.
Write down your questions and concerns ahead of time so you don’t forget them.
Bring a trusted friend or family member if you need support (but check with the attorney’s office first—some prefer private consultations).
Know that you don’t have to make any major decisions that day. The consultation is about getting information, not rushing into anything.
Benefits of Working with a Divorce Attorney
Hiring an experienced divorce attorney offers more than just help with paperwork. It ensures you:
Understand your rights and obligations
Have someone negotiating on your behalf
Get help navigating sensitive issues like custody or alimony
Avoid legal mistakes that could delay or damage your case
Feel supported through a difficult transition
Even if your divorce seems simple, legal advice from a professional can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Coming prepared with documents, questions, and a clear sense of your goals will help you make the most of your consultation.
At Meason & Morris Law, we’re here to help guide you through each step with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re just beginning to explore divorce or are ready to move forward, our experienced team is ready to protect your interests and help you plan for the next chapter.
Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the first step toward a more secure future.
Meason & Morris Law is a legal firm led by seasoned attorneys Marty Meason and Chris Morris. We provide a professional experience for all our clients, helping them navigate their legal rights. We focus on Criminal Justice Law (felonies and misdemeanors), Divorce and Family Law, Expungement and Felony Law, Probate Law and also have Trial experience. Serving Washington County, Nowata County, Osage County, Rogers County, Payne County, Pawnee County, and Kay County in Oklahoma.
Meason & Morris Law
515 Delaware Ave
Bartlesville, OK 74003
918-336-6300
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